Akagera National Park is one of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in Africa. Located in Rwanda, it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, lions, and more. Visitors to Akagera can explore the park on foot or by vehicle and enjoy some of the best activities and attractions that it has to offer. From game drives to boat tours on Lake Ihema to bird watching and cultural experiences with local communities, Akagera National Park offers something for everyone. In this guide we will explore some of the best activities and attractions that Akagera has to offer so you can make the most out of your visit.
Akagera National Park is a stunning wildlife safari destination in Rwanda. It is home to the iconic Big Five game viewing, including elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalos. This park offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the African bush and its diverse wildlife up close. Akagera National Park also boasts an array of bird species and breathtaking landscapes that make it one of the most beautiful safari destinations in Africa.
The Big Five at Akagera National Park are living symbols of Rwanda’s rich biodiversity. They are also a major source of tourism revenue for the country as visitors flock to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The park has taken steps to ensure that these animals are protected and given the best environment possible for them to thrive.
Things to do in Akagera National Park
Safari game drives
No visit is complete without a game drive in Akagera, giving you the opportunity to spot not only the “Big Five” but a range of other wildlife species. Not only can you explore the savannah and woodlands in the daytime, but nighttime safaris are available when the park’s nocturnal animals, such as civets and leopards are at their most active.
Boat safari
As the second largest lake in Rwanda, Lake Ihema is ideally explored by boat and is home to a large population of hippos and crocodiles. You’ll have a front-row street as mammals come to rehydrate on the lake shores while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding park.
Nature walks
Some parts of Akagera are accessible on foot and this is a great way to get up close to the national park’s smaller species. Nature walks in Akagera offer encounters with colourful butterflies, insects and plants that you might easily miss on a game drive safari.
Fishing
Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park is one of the best spots for fishing, with grunting hippos and chirping birds as your soundtrack. It’s a great opportunity to try your hand at local fishing techniques before roasting, frying or grilling your catch.
Birding
Birdwatching in Akagera is a highly rewarding experience, with more than 480 species recorded within the park’s boundaries. With the help of an experienced guide, you can spot red-faced barbets, lesser kestrels and swamp flycatchers, as well as papyrus gonolex and shoebills.
Best time to visit Akagera National Park
Rwanda experiences two dry seasons (December to February and June to September) and these are considered the best times to go on safari in Akagera National Park. During these periods, the grass is shorter, making animals easier to spot and the lack of rain makes it more suitable for being outdoors.
March to May is the long rainy season in Akagera and while it is a great time for birdwatching, the park’s dirt roads can get incredibly muddy. October to November is the short wet season and another great time for birdwatching, although keep in mind that temperatures can be cool at night during this period.
Looking for safaris and cultural experiences in Rwanda? Chat with our Team of professionals about planning your adventure. Our Akagera National Park tours can be combined with gorilla trekking in Rwanda and stays at some of the best safari lodges in Rwanda.
